flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈfla-tə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

a

: the act or practice of flattering

She uses the art of flattery to her advantage.

b(1)

: something that flatters

A compliment is flattery …

—Harry Shaw

(2)

: insincere or excessive praise

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

2

obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

Synonyms

• praise
• butter
• adulation
• acclaim
• adoration
• sweet talk

Examples of flattery in a Sentence

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery

Recent Examples on the Web

And when the offer comes, don’t rely on flattery. —Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

In aggregate, users favored responses full of agreement and flattery. —ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025

So what could these CEOs do, instead of flattery and humiliation? —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025

Thanks to gorgeous mountains, bountiful outdoor recreation and a thriving capital city, Idahoans often sip blissfully from a stream of flattery flowing from the outside world. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flattery

• flattery will get you nowhere
• self-flattery

Rhymes for flattery

• battery
• slattery

Kids Definition

flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

: the act of flattering

2

: praise that is excessive or not sincere